Victor Osimhen has not returned to Italy yet and Napoli expect him to start the intensive phase of his recovery work next week, with his contract situation continuing to loom in the background.
The 24-year-old striker has been sidelined since October 13 after suffering a hamstring muscle injury in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia in a friendly. He has missed the club’s last three consecutive games.
Osimhen has remained in Nigeria since suffering the injury, leaving Napoli waiting for his return. In the meantime, much has been written about his contract negotiations with the club, shrouding his future in doubt.
Page 12 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport details how Osimhen still hasn’t returned to Italy yet and Napoli want him to enter the intensive phase of his recovery work next week, allowing them to start planning for his return.
A year ago, the Nigerian striker suffered the same muscle injury on September 7 and was back on the pitch by October 12.
Napoli hope he’ll be fit to face Atalanta on November 25, a match that could prove key in the race for the top spots in Serie A.
Regarding his contract, Aurelio De Laurentiis is confident that he can reopen talks with Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda to try and finally reach an agreement. This may prove impossible, however, making a sale next summer possible.